In Panama City, Florida, young explorers can dive into a world of outdoor adventure, interactive learning, and waterfront excitement. This coastal gem offers far more than just beach days—think dolphin encounters, cultural gems, creative workshops, and family-friendly thrills that cater to curious minds and active imaginations.
Nestled along the scenic St. Andrews Bay, Panama City sets the stage for aquatic adventures. Families can embark on dolphin and wildlife tours, snorkeling trips, and self-guided boat rides through the bay’s crystal-clear waters. Head to Papa Joe’s Bayside, a vibrant waterfront hub with live music, food trucks, yard games, and a sandy beach where kids can splash or dig in the sand. Pontoon boats, jet skis, and inshore fishing charters are all on offer, and dolphin tours often come with bonus sightings of sea turtles, stingrays, jellyfish, or even manatees. Local charters like Anchor Charters, Flippin’ Awesome Adventures, and Capt. Zach’s Adventures provide all the gear and guidance you need for a family-friendly day on the water. For a more thrilling ride, Boggy Bayou Airboat Tours whisks guests through the marshes and swamps of North and West Bay.
For kids eager to learn more about marine life, Emerald and Forgotten Coast Adventures offers an unforgettable educational experience. This nonprofit organization leads interactive eco-tours designed to teach children about coastal ecosystems through hands-on discovery—think seining nets, marine critters, and real-time exploration led by enthusiastic marine experts.
Over in Downtown Panama City, Kingdom Splash Fest offers a high-energy escape with inflatable water parks, ninja obstacle courses, and round Go Boats—perfect for relaxed cruising. Families can also rent Hydro Bikes from Bayside Rentals and pedal across the bay for a fun workout with waterfront views.
When it’s time to dry off, Panama City’s cultural offerings shine. Take a stroll on a historic walking tour designed for all ages, or stop into the Bay County Historical Museum and Panama City Publishing Museum, where interactive exhibits make history come alive. Budding artists will love following the city’s colorful Mural Trail or visiting the Panama City Center for the Arts, which features family-friendly exhibits, kids’ art classes, and a gift shop stocked with handmade keepsakes. For older children looking for a creative challenge, Panama City Hot Glass hosts live glassblowing demos and hands-on workshops.
Indoor fun continues at The Portal Downtown, where hundreds of board games, quirky sodas, and snacks await. Or hit up Point Break Arcade for retro-style video games and classic fun. For puzzle-solving families, Escape Manor offers kid-friendly escape rooms that test teamwork and creative thinking.
From sun-soaked adventures and hands-on marine education to art, culture, and games galore, Panama City offers something new to discover every time you visit. It’s a destination where kids can splash, explore, learn, and play—making unforgettable memories along the way.
